Custom Gift Ideas for Summer

I’ve always loved surprising people. (fun fact: I also like being surprised!) And, I absolutely LOVE when people ask me to create, paint, or calligraph something custom— especially when it’s a SURPRISE GIFT for someone they love!

I recently painted + hand lettered a custom lyric watercolor piece for a client in Colorado recently, as a surprise for his wife, with the lyrics from John Legend’s “All of Me,” plus personalized hand-drawn shimmery houseplant illustrations (with special meaning to both of them)… I am so excited about this piece, and just wanted to share a couple photos so you could see, too!!

When you order a custom 8x10 art piece from me, all I need is your special lyrics, poem, letter, or words you want calligraphed in my style— and any special colors, items, places, memories, or tidbits that I should know to make it uniquely illustrated. (in this example above, he sent me a photo of her favorite houseplant she has cared for throughout the pandemic: a Chinese Money Plant! So, I painted one.)

In the past, I’ve painted custom squirrels, cats, mountain pikas, bears, dogs, cute snakes, unicorns, ships, flowers, trees, narwhals, bees… the list of pets + critters is endless.

Everything I draw and paint is in my own little Riana-ish style. I don’t generally draw people or faces, as my style is pretty whimsical and I like having liberty to interpret things as I see fit… so I would never want to insult someone, or infringe on someone’s FACE in the name of WHIMSY CHOICES ;)

NOW OPEN: I have four spots available for a custom piece like this one in June 2021! Watercolor and calligraphy on 8x10 in this style is a great option for easy to mail (or in-person) summer birthday gifts, Father’s Day, Graduations, and as a gift for friends + family you haven’t seen in awhile. The possibilities are open. I will ship your artwork 7-10 days from the time we confirm details on the piece, and if you’re hoping for something quicker, I would love to chat with you about how to honor your wish!

Please email me at riana@riananelson.com to get started on YOUR custom #ArtByRiana. These spots will fill quickly. I’m looking forward to answering your questions and dreaming up what kind of magic I can create for you this summer!!

xo

Riana